NHL Draft Prospect Profile: Filip Chlapik

 

Get to Know Filip Chlapik

Date of Birth: 3-6-97
Place of Birth: Praha, CZE
Ht: 6’1” Wt: 183 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: Center
Team: Charlottetown Islanders (QMJHL)

Filip Chlapik already had an extensive career in the Czech Republic before joining the QMJHL. His participation in international events for his national team is impressive, and he helped his team win silver at the U18 World Junior Championships last year and the Hlinka Memorial tournament this year.

In 2014, Chlapik was drafted 11th overall by Charlottetown Islanders in the CHL Import Draft and 83rd overall by HC Lev Praha in the KHL Draft. He chose North America knowing that it would give him the best chance at the NHL. He immediately made an impact for his team and on the league, receiving wide recognition by being named to the CHL Top Prospects Game and QMJHL All-Rookie Team, as well as earning the award for QMJHL Most Goals by Rookie (33).

One need only look at his production in his first foray onto North American ice to see that he’s a special player: 75 points (33g, 42a) in 64 regular season games and 9 points (1g, 8a) in 9 playoff games.

Statistics

What Scouts See

Hockey Prospectus, David McNight

There are certainly areas of Chlapik’s game that need improvement, but overall he has been a very pleasant surprise coming overseas to play in the QMJHL. It’s hard to argue with the point totals that he’s put up in his rookie season while adjusting to the North American style of game. Perhaps the scariest thing for opponents is that there is room to enhance the offensive toolset that he possesses.

His hockey IQ and defensive awareness make him a fairly safe bet and if the offensive areas of the game continue to improve, he will have every chance to be a top six forward in the NHL.

NHL Director of Central Scouting Dan Marr

Filip is a very good skater with good vision and puck skills. He always seems to be in the right position on the ice both with and without the puck, he can jump on loose pucks and transition quickly. He’s got a good combination of size, skating and hockey sense.

What BSN Avalanche Sees

Chlapik is electric. You never fail to notice him when he’s on the ice. Part of that is due to the fact that the puck finds him, or maybe it’s that he finds the puck. Either way, he’s always exactly where he should be. He has both vision and patience, as well as a high hockey IQ.

Chlapik is a crafty player who moves the puck well and can weave his way through defenders. He consistently finds the open man on the ice. He’s also strong defensively, putting himself in a position to stop a play from developing and transitioning the play the other direction. He has a hard shot and a steady pass, making him a threat to both score and set up his teammates.

Chlapik’s biggest weakness is simply development for the North American game. 2014-15 is his first season outside of the Czech Republic. At times, it seems he struggles with the speed of the game. His skating is lacking in that he has a choppy stride and is not explosive off the start. He also needs to put on some muscle weight to get stronger along the boards, something he’s already started to do. He’s not afraid to take a hit to make the play, but he could stand to generate more physical play himself.

Highlights

NHL Potential

Chlapik has the talent to make a top-six forward in the NHL. While another year in juniors will help him solidify his transition to the smaller ice, his intelligence, two-way play, and puck skills make him an attractive prospect. Teams might consider transitioning him to wing as he is skilled enough to adapt to new responsibilities.

Expected Draft Position

Chlapik is another one of those polarizing players in this year’s draft. Some say he’ll go mid-first round, while others suggest he’s a second round pick. It truly is anyone’s guess where he’ll end up, but it would be surprising if he dropped too far down the board. He’s such a dynamic player, one who consistently improved this year, that teams will most certainly have taken notice.

How Filip Chlapik Fits in Avalanche Organization

If Chlapik could successfully transition to wing, the Avs should seriously consider snatching him up. This is a kid who has succeeded at every level he’s played at and has a tremendous amount of international experience. He knows how to handle himself in big games and clearly has a level head on his shoulders. Moreover, his offensive potential is staggering. Realistically, Chlapik will not still be on the board at 40, and it’s unlikely the Avalanche will take him at 10th. Still, he’s an interesting talent, and stranger things have happened.